When Zoe Foster Blake speaks, the beauty world listens.

And this was most certainly the case when the Amazinger Face author took to her Instagram recently to share her three top tips for wrangling thick, uncooperative hair.

According to Zoe, “one of pregnancy’s popular side effects is thick hair,” however it has its drawbacks: “My hair also becomes wig-like, lank and obnoxiously heavy. Texture and shape abandon me; my usual styling sorcery is futile.”

If you’re in a similar boat and wish for more textured and defined locks, Zoe’s top tips for thick hair might just be the answer.

Visit your hairdresser

The simplest way to tackle thick hair that just won’t cooperate is to visit your hairdresser and ask for your hair to be thinned out. They will essentially slice the scissors through the mid-lengths of your hair, working to remove bulk rather than length.

Let it air dry

Thick hair takes a long time to blow-dry – not to mention your arms get tired, fast – so make life easier on yourself and let it air dry. “Even better, wash it at night and roughly dry it off, then style, dry and shape in full the next morning,” says Zoe.

Add texture

Only a very few of us are genetically blessed with hair that doesn’t require the assistance of styling sprays to get it just how we want it. So, to add texture and sass, as Zoe so eloquently puts it, apply a texture spray (her favourite is Oribe Surfcomber) “and roughly blow-dry it through freshly washed hair before bed for grit and easy styling the next day,” says Zoe.

If you’re working with dry hair, Zoe recommends using a sea salt spray like O&M Surf Bomb Sea Salt Spray, or a texturising spray all over for roughness and anti-boofness.

Alternatively, if soft definition is what you’re after, al à Alexa Chung, turn to styling crèmes and texture balms that will smooth your hair while creating separation. We recommend Ouai Matte Pomade and Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Clay Definer.

Want to learn more ways to style your hair? Check out celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin’s top three no-fuss hairstyles and the easiest looks you can do in your car.

Have a favourite texturising spray? Let us know what it is in the comments below.

Image credit: @zotheysay